Penguins beat Bears in playoff series

In a decisive finish, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins eliminated the Hershey Bears in the Atlantic Division Semifinals, winning the series in four games. The final game, held on May 7, 2026, saw the Penguins triumph with a score of 4-1 at the GIANT Center.

Joona Koppanen opened the scoring early for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, followed by a power-play goal from Ivan Miroshnichenko for Hershey to tie it 1-1 at the end of the first period. The Penguins regained control with Harrison Brunicke scoring shorthanded, giving them a 2-1 lead in the second period.

Ville Koivunen extended their lead to 3-1 in the third period before Gabe Klassen sealed the victory with an empty-net goal. The win exemplified the depth of talent within the Penguins organization, showcasing strong performances from key players and solid goaltending throughout the series.

The Bears, despite efforts from their leading scorers, were unable to overcome the Penguins' advantage, ending their season early. This victory propels Wilkes-Barre/Scranton forward in the playoffs, emphasizing their competitive edge in the AHL.